Sur

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Sur, the Oldest Port City in Oman

The General Features of Sur

Sur is an important city in the shipbuilding industry of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Besides, the city is among the oldest harbors of Oman, which plays an important role in the maritime trade of the regions such as the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

In general, the sea has a high importance among the locals of Sur. Because they earn their livings through the sea and the sea-related careers. Therefore; fishing, employment in the shipyards and working on both commercial and passenger ships are popular jobs in the city. However, some other jobs such as producing Omani daggers and mats besides cooking Muscoth Halwa are so common. 

The region features a semi-arid climate so that it has hot and dry summers and pleasant winters. As a result, two periods ranging from late February to early April and from mid-October to mid-December are the best times to visit this touristic city.

The city lies 200 Kilometers eastern west of Muscat, the capital of Oman. It is also the capital of Ash Sharqiyah South Governate and has a population of 120,000 people.

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The Most Spectacular Attractions of Sur

Dhow Factory

The boatbuilding and Shipbuilding industries have always had a pivotal role in the commercial activities of people in Sur. So, it has turned to the most popular center of shipbuilding on the Persian Gulf. Currently, shipbuilding in this area is done in a modern way, but there are still places to visit traditional shipbuilding.

At present, Dhow Factory provides tourists with the opportunity to visit the traditional methods of shipbuilding. In this method, the woods such as bamboo, cypress tree, etc. are applied.

About two kilometers before the Dhow Factory, the remains of an old ship attract your attention. The ship, named Fateh al-Khair, is the last intercontinental ship having been built traditionally. The locals used to call it "Aganga. "

Dhow Factory

Al Ayjah Lighthouse

Al Ayjah Lighthouse offers a spectacular view to the port city of Sur. So, you can see an integration of the blue sea and the cityscape at a glance. The lighthouse is a three-story tower designed based on the traditional architecture of Oman. Its entrance door is also adorned with wood carving art.

Al Ayjah Lighthouse used to be a watchtower. Its pilings sink into the water during the tide and are surrounded by sea sand at low tide. In addition, around this lighthouse is a place where fishermen spread their nets.

Al Ayjah Lighthouse

Bilad Sur Castle

Among the attractions of this eastern city, one can cite Bilad Sur Castle.  The castle is 200 years old and lies in the center of a Plain called Bilad. You can see crenated walls in the design of the castle. Furthermore, it includes 4 watchtowers one of which is taller and 2-story. If you go on the top of this tower, you will see a 360-degree view of the city.

Bilad Sur Castle was built to protect the city from the invasion of the enemy groups. There is also a museum inside that displays historical artifacts discovered from this place. Therefore, tourists can have a deeper understanding of its history by visiting this museum.

Bilad Sur Castle

Qalhat Ancient City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Qalhat Ancient City, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the first capital of Oman in pre-Islamic era. The city spanned an aera of 240 Km2 and was surrounded by strong fortifications. More importantly, Marco Polo visited the city in the 13th century. Ibn Battuta also visited this city in the 14th century noting that it had "fine bazaars and one of the most beautiful mosques".

The ancient city of Qalhat used to serve as one of the most important stops on the Indian Ocean trade network. This city was the second city of the Kingdom of Hurmus and was very prosperous at the time. In 1507, when Afonso de Albuquerque, one of the kings of Portugal, conquered the city, its importance gradually diminished. As a result, Oman's commercial importance shifted from Qalhat to Muscat.

What has remained of this city is Bibi Maryam Mausoleum. Bibi Maryam was the wife of one of the kings of Hurmuz who continued to rule Hurmuz and Qalhat in the 13th century after the death of her husband. This tomb is considered as one of the iconic architectural examples of Qalhat.

Qalhat Ancient City

Sunaysilah, a 300-year-old Fort

Sunaysilah Fort is located on a hill at the center of the city. The castle has a 300-year historical background and its height is 35 meters. Above all, it includes 4 round watchtowers, so it was considered as the most important part of the defensive system of Sur. In the castle, you can visit various historical relics such as pottery and carpet. There is also the oldest prison and the oldest religious school of Oman in the castle.

Being located at the urban texture, the castle is among the important attractions of the city. So, you can’t miss it while visiting the city. You can also enjoy the beautiful view that Sunaysilah Fort offers you.

Al Rafisah Castle

Al Rafisah Castle is a historical castle of Sur, which used to play an important role in protecting the region. The castle lies in the entrance of the city and overlooks the surroundings, especially its roads. In fact, the guards were in charge of the safety of roads by guarding in and out of the city.

The location of this castle on top of the mountain created suitable conditions for protection and surveillance. Besides, a steel chain, controlled by guards, was installed in front of the castle to prevent unknown people from entering.

The Nature of Sur

Masirah, the biggest island of Oman, is located off the east coast of mainland Oman on the Arabian Sea. The island, spanning an area of 649 Km2, used to have a high military importance.

Masirah Island has a population of 12000 people most of whom are engaged in fishing. Because the sea is rich in kinds of fish, crabs and, etc. The fertile soil of the island has also resulted in good conditions for the formation of agricultural fields.

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Travelling to Sur, One of the Most Important Ports of Oman

On your trip to Oman, make sure to visit this port city. Amazing monuments, besides unparallel beaches, ports and scenes; are waiting for you in the city. Moreover, you can take the opportunity to visit a traditional shipyard and make a different experience.

1001 Nights Tours has provided attractive tours for traveling to this city of Oman. In order to know more about the operation of such tours, click here to study each itinerary. You can also click here to study about main cities of Oman.